After an initial round of consultations in early 2023, the second round of community engagement for the Centenary Motorway Upgrade – Darra to Toowong will start this year.
Read: Olympic-Size Congestion: Call For Urgent Upgrade on Centenary Highway0
Local residents will have the opportunity to review updated draft plans and provide input on the proposed masterplan.
Over the four-week consultation period earlier in 2023, there were over 2,000 interactions with stakeholders and community members. Some of the key issues raised included reducing congestion on the motorway; improving biking and walking facilities; and considering additional public transportation services.
The current project encompasses improvements along the entire stretch of road from the Ipswich Motorway interchange to the Toowong Roundabout.
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) stresses the importance of public feedback in finalising designs for the next phase of construction after the current bridge upgrades are completed.
The $298.5 million Centenary Bridge Upgrade represents the first stage of the broader motorway enhancements.
Works on the new three-lane northbound bridge, rehabilitation of the existing southbound bridges, and improved pedestrian/cycling infrastructure were slated to commence in late March 2023.
The Centenary Bridge, which forms part of the Motorway, currently carries over 85,000 vehicles daily, and projections estimate over 150,000 vehicles will need to cross it by 2036; the upgrade will improve safety to reduce crashes, increase capacity to meet current and future traffic demand with better travel time reliability, provide better facilities for active transport, and lengthen entry and exit ramps for safer merge lanes.
TMR and contractors aim to minimise impacts to motorists and residents throughout construction. The team is currently finalising work plans and permits ahead of the start date. Initial on-site activities will involve surveys, site preparation, and utility relocations.
The federal government has pledged $10 million through the Major Project Business Case fund, in additional funding to support planning and development of the corridor upgrades.
Read: Contractors Chosen for the Centenary Bridge Upgrade
TMR plans to hold a series of community information sessions beginning February 14. Further information including the survey form can be viewed on TMR’s website.
Published 10-December-2023